Promoting Gender Integration in Energy and Climate Change Policies in Mali

In Mali, the Mali-Folkecenter Nyetaa took the lead in strengthening the Malian ENERGIA Network. This seedfunding project started in 2010 and lasted for one year. The main activities carried out as part of this project were: participation of rural population at the 4th annual national environmental forum; advocacy and lobbying of the Mali government and local authorities; organization of exchange visits with the goal of learning about alternative energy solutions.

Key objectives:

  • To provide opportunity and occasion where rural population could discuss and convey their messages directly to the Minister and other high level decision makers.
  • To advocate and lobby with the Government and the municipal authorities to ensure that gender approaches are mainstreamed in the energy sector development policies.
  • To familiarize key stakeholders with energy service alternatives.

Key results:

  • The three-day national environmental forum was attended by participants from the eight regions of Mali. The main themes under discussion were ‘climate change’ and ‘sustainable development’. The network presented its position paper at a side event that was attended by key stakeholders from the energy sector.
  • Publication of a position paper that is used for advocacy and lobby with the Government. The position paper was first presented at above-mentioned side event and will continue to be distributed.
  • Three-day exchange visits to three different companies using alternative energy solutions: (i) company using solar energy for drying fruit, onions and meat (USISS); (ii) company producing modern energy efficient stoves (Katene Kadji); and (iii) company distributing LPG gas for cooking (Sodigaz). 

Lessons learned:

  • Involving rural women in the activities of the ENERGIA network is important for effective changes at the grass root level.
  • Besides the new information the women acquired during the annual national environmental forum and the exchange visit, they also made important contacts, which they consider almost as important as seeing the different concrete technologies. Exchanging with others is a big part of the empowerment of rural people.
  • Money is not always the issue when it comes to buying new technologies. Very often the barriers are the lack of awareness about various available alternatives and the lack of financing mechanisms that allow rural men and women to access modern energy technologies.

MFC Nyeeta Seedfunding Report FINAL - Download